In a low-scoring encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, England successfully defended a modest total to defeat Sri Lanka by 12 runs. Despite a middle-order collapse sparked by a vintage performance from Dushmantha Chameera, the English lions roared back through the unexpected bowling heroics of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks.
Dushmantha Chameera decimates England’s batting line-up in the first innings
The third and final T20I began with high drama as Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead, Chameera, produced one of the most devastating spells of his career. Opting to bowl first, the Sri Lankan attack exploited the early moisture in the Pallekele surface. Chameera struck with his second delivery, trapping Ben Duckett lbw for a duck.
The collapse continued as Chameera dismantled the English batting spine. He finished with staggering figures of 5/24, removing heavy hitters like Sam Curran and Jamie Overton during the death overs. England found themselves reeling at 47/5 after Jos Buttler fell for 25. It was only through a gritty, calculated 58 off 48 balls from Curran that England managed to crawl to a total of 128/9. While the total seemed subpar for the modern era, the sluggish nature of the pitch hinted that the chase would be anything but straightforward.
Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks stifle Sri Lanka to complete the sweep
Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 129 started with characteristic flair as Pathum Nissanka raced to 23 off 12 balls. At 46/2 after the powerplay, the hosts looked comfortably on track to wrap up the series. However, the introduction of England’s part-time spinners completely flipped the script.
Will Jacks initiated the squeeze, bowling with incredible discipline to finish with 3/14 in his four overs. His scalps included the dangerous Kusal Mendis (26) and Kamindu Mendis, effectively removing the engine room of the Sri Lankan middle order. As the required run rate climbed, the pressure became palpable.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered in by Jacob Bethell. In a career-defining spell, Bethell tore through the lower order, finishing with incredible figures of 4/11 in just 3.3 overs. He triggered a sensational collapse where Sri Lanka lost their final four wickets for just four runs. From 112/6, the hosts were bundled out for 116 in 19.3 overs.
England’s ability to defend 128 serves as a tactical masterclass in white-ball cricket. By trusting the spin of Jacks and Bethell over traditional pace options in the late stages, Harry Brook’s side proved that adaptability is their greatest weapon.
